Showing 193-281 of 281 items found in Outdoors & Play

Prairie Lakes offers a 9 hole golf course and a full service restaurant and hotel. Hotel and Golf packages available and banquet facilities. Golf opens daily at 7:00am and the restaurant is open 11:00am - 10:00pm daily. Call for seasonal hours.

No trip to Scovill Zoo would be complete without a visit to Project Playground II, a community-built, ADA-accessible playground in Scovill Park. This exciting play place includes a rock wall with fossils, hands-on music station, lots of slides, and a smooth rubber surface so kids of all ability levels can swing, slide, climb and play.

Richardson Adventure Farm offers 5 mazes with 33 acres of maze fields. For example, there is the Finger Fortune Trail for a quick maze that only takes 10 minutes. On another adventure, the Quiz Maze, answer fun quiz questions to guide you through and if you have the wrong answers, you'll go the wrong way! Family fun at every turn in the World's Largest Corn Maze, pumpkin patch, & Christmas trees. Fans of the board game, Clue, will instantly recognize the similarity to our maze game, FSI Farm Scene Investigation. Also enjoy the 50' tall observation tower, a Zip Line that is 30' high and 700' long, the ZORB Ride, beautiful wooded picnic area, free campfires, 3 wooden bridges in the corn maze, pedal carts and trikes, feed the goats, corn cabin, concessions for sale and free wagon ride to the five acre maze (weekends).

Richardson Adventure Farm offers 5 mazes with 33 acres of maze fields. There's the Finger Fortune Trail for a quick maze that only takes 10 minutes. The Quiz Maze, answer fun questions to guide you through (if you have the wrong answers, you'll go the wrong way!) Family fun is at every turn in the World's Largest Corn Maze, pumpkin patch, & Christmas trees. Fans of the board game, Clue, will instantly recognize the similarity to our maze game, FSI Farm Scene Investigation. Also enjoy the 50' tall observation tower, a Zip Line that is 30' high and 700' long, the ZORB Ride, a beautiful wooded picnic area, free campfires, 3 wooden bridges in the corn maze, pedal carts and trikes, goats feedings, corn cabin, concessions for sale and free wagon rides to the five acre maze (weekends).

The Richland Creek Trailhead serves as the main trailhead for the northern end of the Jane Addmas Recreation Trail. It features parking, a large shelter house with electricity, lights and picnic tables, a restroom, water and a primitive campground area.

The 275-acre River Bend Forest Preserve south of Mahomet contains approximately 130 acres of clear water in two lakes, one of which is the largest public lake in Champaign County, and includes 2.5 miles of forest along the Sangamon River.

This 10-foot wide asphalt trail winds 4.8 miles along the former Illinois Terminal Railroad Co. path. Build in 1991, the River Trail provides a safe scenic route for outdoor recreation year round, winter weather permitting. The trail affords patrons the opportunity to experience the natural preservation of wildflowers, grasses, trees and wildlife. With direct access at the Park Administration Center, Bunnell field, and Taylor Street ball diamonds, and in close proximity to Veterans Park, Central Jr. High, West Park, and local restaurants, the River Trail offers something for everyone!

The 30-acre park was designed in a way that would serve many purposes. From the canoe/kayak launch and natural landscaping to the VIP Rooftop Deck and 10-acre music venue, this is the new recreation and entertainment destination of the suburbs. Bring your kids and fly a kite. Enjoy a local band in the music pavilion with friends. Spread out a blanket and watch fireworks with the family on the 4th of July. RiverEdge Park is your backyard away from home.

Five acres of walking paths, water gardens, a green house, five-hole miniture golf, swings, and gardens were all designed and maintained by the developmentally disabled clients of the Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises.

Round Lake Area Park District offers visitors a wide range of activities and facilities to enjoy. They include the Renwood Golf Course, the new sports center, the Prairie Grass Nature Museum, community theatre, outdoor pool/aquatic center, fitness center, child development center, teen center, senior center and acres of picturesque parklands. Private parties/outings at any of the facilities can be accommodated.

This small park is right on Route 66, and it's a great place to check out the town of Atlanta. It is a great park, including flat area to run and playground for the kids to climb and run on, you and your family are sure to enjoy.

Sangamon River Forest Preserve, a 160-acre gem, offers a variety of natural features and is ideal for low-impact activities such as picnicking, bird-watching, hiking and river fishing. The preserve hosts the Lincoln Ash Tree, one of the largest ash trees in the state.

Saw Wee Kee Park sits along the south shore of the Fox River. Located in Oswego this park has an abundance of fun, advanced mountain bike singletrack trails to conquer. These 5 miles of steep inclines and quick descents will give you plenty of stories to tell your friends. While you are there you can also fish, kayak and canoe along the Fox River.

This expansive park features picnic areas, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts. The centerpiece of the park is an old train depot, a full-size caboose, and a train car that can be reserved for groups.

Located along the Mississippi River in the downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District, this park offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River, an open-air stage, interactive fountain, observation shelter, waterfront promenade, bike trail and digital playgrounds (the first installation of its kind in the Midwest). The park is also available for rental for weddings, receptions and special events.

Serenity envelopes this intimate area, where visitors are welcomed by a Chinese Fu dog and flowering dogwoods, star magnolia, Japanese lilac, and rhododendron -- foliage native to the Orient. Originally commissioned by Guy and Rose Scovill in the 1920's and reconstructed in the 1980's, the gardens' soothing nature encompasses a small reflective point, sod bridge, and oriental sculptures, and surrounds a small cottage, which is available for gatherings and retreats.

Shabbona Lake State Park has 1,550 acres of rolling prairie and features a 318 acre man-made fishing lake. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient, natural haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports, Shabbona Lake is a convenient and comfortable retreat where you can refresh and reinvigorate yourself in a rare, unspoiled environment.

The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features rolling hills, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs. If you’re into climbing than a must-see is Jackson Falls, located near the town of Ozark in the Hidden Springs Ranger District in Shawnee National Forest. The climb takes place on 60 feet of sandstone cliffs and boulders that include numerous freestanding towers.

During Christmas, Sherwood Forest is adorned with decorations and twinkling lights. Any time of year view a variety of animals, including turkeys, rabbits, peacocks, llamas, and miniature goats and deer.

This 260-acre site offers nature trails for visitors to explore wetlands, prairie openings, and sandstone bluffs and ledges. The preserve is home to more than 700 plants and 70 bird species, including bald eagles during the winter months.

The Shoppes at Grand Prairie ~ a vibrant, open-air lifestyle center in Peoria ~ is the premier dining and shopping destination for the region. The Shoppes features an exciting blend of retailers and restaurants, along with our anchor stores: Bergner's, DSW, Jillian's and Dick's Sporting Goods. The center is highlighted by an inviting, lushly landscaped outdoor environment that features animal sculptures throughout the center, the nationally acclaimed Holocaust Memorial Button exhibit filled with 11 million buttons, the Caterpillar children's play area, and weekend entertainment.

Siegel's Cottonwood farm is a fourth generation working farm established in 1909. In the spring and early summer, the farm is open with a garden center featuring flowers, shrubs, and plants. From June 1st thru October, the farm is available for company picnics, group outings, corporate events and fundraisers. In the summer when the crop is ready its extra sweet corn. In the fall its Pumpkinfest time on the farm with playlands, cornfield mazes, new fun attractions, climbing wall, gem mining and much more. And then there is the award winning haunted prison, "Statesville."

A pool of clear bubbling water which sparkles like silver on sunny days provides the basis for the name of Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area. Even on extremely cold days, this pool does not freeze, and visitors marvel at the bordering beds of watercress. Majestic oaks and prairie grasslands provide a panorama of natural beauty to park visitors. The Fox River runs through this picturesque area which is also home to several small manmade lakes. A natural prairie restoration project gives visitors a feeling of the original landscape with native wildflowers, songbirds, waterfowl and upland game. Picnicking, fishing and hiking are popular pastimes in summer, with ice fishing, sledding, ice skating and cross-country ski trails available for the winter sports lover. For relaxing, exercising or just enjoying nature, Silver Springs is the perfect get away location.

Located in Read Park, this skate park offers 11,000 square feet of skateboard heaven with obstacles, ramps, rails, ledges, spines and bowls. Built specifically for skateboards and in-line roller skates (sorry, no bikes allowed), the "street course" design mimics skateable features and obstacles found throughout the community. Helmets are required and pads are recommended.

This 11,000-sq.-ft. skateboard park features obstacles, ramps, rails, ledges, spines and bowls. Built specifically for skateboards and in-line skates, this facility is popular with both skaters and spectators.

This beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style cultural center on the lakefront was once an exclusive 1900s country club, and now offers performances that range from classical music to African dance. The Obamas held their wedding reception here.

Illinois' newest wine trail connects six wineries dotted throughout the southeast corner of the state. Visitors can enjoy both breathtaking vistas and friendly rural communities, all while sampling excellent red and white wines.

The present Springbrook facilities includes a barn-styled building with a classroom, open area with activities, a large aquarium and restrooms. The land includes 2 miles of trails that are open year-round. Whether you are walking through a tunnel of prairie grasses or standing four feet above a cattail marsh on the 700 foot long boardwalk, the sights will take you back to the days of the explorers. Along your walk you’ll discover a flowing brook, shady woods, flower-filled meadows and prairies, and marshes thick with cattails and ancient willows.

While rock climbing is prohibited, there are up to five canyons in which ice climbing is permitted when conditions allow. All ice climbers must sign in at the ranger station (Park Office) and must have a partner. Call ahead to check ice and other park conditions.

Starved Rock State Park has a beautiful East Hike that offers canyons galore, each with slightly different shapes, sizes and colorings. At 6.4 miles of dirt terrain, this hike is moderately difficult. Cool, shady and overgrown with ferns, the canyons offer a plethora of trees and flowering plants—a true delight to explore. You’ll also encounter scenic overlooks 100 feet above the Illinois River. The real crowd pleasers at Starved Rock are the numerous sandstone canyons that were carved deep into the bedrock as upland streams drained into the Illinois River. Some noted canyons of worth to explore are Kaskaskia Canyon, Ottawa Canyon and Hennepin Canyon Overlook.

Starved Rock State Park West Hike offers a decidedly different set of attractions than its eastern counterpart. On this hike you’ll encounter a series of overlooks from wooded bluffs and rocky cliffs high above the Illinois River. This 2.9-mile hike varies in difficulty due to the large amount of stairs that need climbing. The dominant feature of Starved Rock can be found on this hike, via a narrow bluff that runs 4-miles along the south branch of the Illinois River. The park’s namesake towers 125 feet above the river, offering commanding views of the nearby islands and river. Some notable excursions include, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and Pontiac Canyon with sweeping views of the Illinois River.

The prairie grove, covering 123 acres of ecologically diverse prairie land, is preserved and maintained as former home of the visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott, who brought his family from New Orleans to settle on his land in 1836. The Grove, located in Glenview, is a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It offers many opportunities for educational, environmental and historical enjoyment including two historic homes, the Kennicott House and the Redfield Estate; the Grove Interpretive Center, a Native American Village, a Log Cabin, a Schoolhouse, a Wetlands Greenhouse and numerous interpretive trails.

The Millennium Reserve stretches from downtown Chicago to the Indiana border and suburban Park Forest. It encompasses numerous neighborhoods, the Southeast lakefront, and 37 South suburban municipalities. In aggregate, the Reserve includes a collection of over 15,000 acres of open space such as parks, trails, wetlands, and forest preserves; Making it ideal for runners, bikers and kayakers alike.

The Nest at Palisades Cabins offer secluded luxury cabins designed to provide charm, quiet luxury and romance. We’re located on a wooded acreage high above the Mississippi River minutes from Savanna, the Palisades State Park and an easy 20 minute drive to Galena.

Three sisters, Sadie, Lillian, and Goldie Cohen, expressed a wish that the 400-acres of farmland located adjacent to the city of Chillicothe, IL be dedicated as park land and a model farm for educational, recreational, and conservational purposes. While the Cohen sisters lived just off Moss Avenue in Peoria, they loved their family farm. Their vision was for the property to remain agriculturally related.
The master plan envisions the creation of a living history farm, a central activity building, large festival areas, a welcome center, restaurant, agricultural equipment museum activity area, and outdoor natural amphitheater. The open fields and forested areas offer unique space for special events, concerts and festivals.

This public golf facility, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is one of the most challenging courses in the Chicago area. This 18-hole, par 72 c golf course is nestled on 241 acres of beautiful forest, marsh and prairie. This is the first public course in the United States to achieve Audubon Signature Sanctuary certification. Banquet facilities are available to accommodate a wide range of group sizes from small private outings to a full-course tournament. Golfers can spot bluebirds while playing one of the hottest courses in the Chicago area. Driving Range also available.

Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Timber Ridge offers something for everyone, from families and honeymooners to outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some Southern hospitality while staying in a real log cabin or one-of-a-kind treehouse. Each of the units, including the treehouse, is equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning.

Set among the rugged slopes of the Ozark Hills in Southern Illinois, this site offers picnic shelters with roadside fireplaces throughout the forest. Features a network of trails for hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts.

Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. With 47.8 miles (one-way) of crushed gravel surface, extended inclines and dark tunnels, this trail is a difficult one, but one not to pass up, as long as you’re up for the challenge. The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains here stopped running.

This area currently winters nearly 100,000 of the 850,000 Canadian geese that spend the cold-weather months in Illinois. Numerous shallow sloughs and other water areas are scattered throughout its 6,202 acres.

The University of Illinois Arboretum is a living laboratory, including plant collections and facilities that support the teaching, research and public service programs of several units throughout campus. Central to the Arboretum was the development of the "All American Selection Trial Gardens" established by a bequest from Miles C. Hartley in the early 90s. Other highlights of the Arboretum include the Welcome Garden, Hosta Garden, Kari Walkway and native ponds plantings, the Idea Garden, sponsored by Champaign County Master Gardeners, and the Japanese Tea and Dry Gardens at the Japan House.

Adjacent to Paris City Hall, this extensively landscaped sunken garden features a serpentine brick wall inspired by Thomas Jefferson's design at Charlottesville and a lion's head fountain patterned after a park in France.

This golf course has been ranked as one of the top ten 9 hole golf courses in Chicagoland. Situated in Vernon Hills, this challenging 9-hole municipal course boasts small greens, rolling terrain, tight fairways and seven holes featuring water. Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate both the playability and the eye-catching views. The full-service clubhouse features a varied lunch menu, which is served all day and a full-service bar. Banquet facilities available for up to 80 people.

Overlooking park land, the Community Room, equipped with a stage and kitchen, can serve 260 dinner guests or 400 people theater seating. Smaller meeting rooms with a capacity of 10-140 people including a gymnasium rental are also available.

The Wandell Sculpture Garden was established in honor of Willett and Celia Wandell in 1998. This unique, free outdoor sculpture garden sits among 22 acres of recreated Illinois tallgrass prairie in 130-acre Meadowbrook Park. While walking the looped paths, one can encounter bikers, joggers and other sculpture lovers as the park serves both recreational and educational purposes. Works from local artists with ties to the University of Illinois grace the garden, as well as pieces from artists who reside in New York, California and New Mexico. The garden has both permanent sculptures and some that are rotated every second or third year, keeping it fresh for visitors. Open daily from dawn to dusk.

William Creek meanders through this park, providing habitat for an abundance of wildlife. Set in 770 acres of rolling terrain and steep hillsides, Weinberg-King is popular in winter for its cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Wildlife Prairie State Park is home to over 150 animals that are native to Illinois, including wolves, bison, black bear, elk and cougars. Experience the Adventure Trek Tour, which includes a trip through the bison and elk pasture. Unique overnight lodging located in the park includes authentic train cabooses and a cabin nestled in the woods. The park also offers biking enthusiasts 5 miles of singletrack intermediate level terrain with good technical trails and rocky terrain it will feel like you’re biking in the mountains.

Peoria area’s only Segway tour and Quadracycle bike rental experience. Offering 30-minute, 1-hour, and 2-hour Segway tours as well as 30-minute Quadracycle bike rides. Gliding with World On Wheels is as fun as it gets. Use them for individual riding or corporate events. Open March thru November, weather permitting. Feel free to call for an appointment. Easy riding for all age levels.